Dear Sir,

At this time of the year, perhaps this year more than others, many of us are reflecting on the people and things we are grateful for. This acknowledgement is long overdue, but I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Marynette Stamp, Operator 26 at Island Taxis and her ex-husband, Patrick.

Driving home on a quiet Monday night in August, my car broke down on the south shore near Elbow Beach. It was well after midnight, and there were no buses running and no taxis on the road. I rang every cab company; no luck.

I was completely stuck and a little bit worried about how I was going to get back to Somerset. When I spoke to Marynette, she called all of her drivers but none was available. She stayed in constant contact with me via text and phone over the next hour. Finally she rang her ex-husband, Patrick, woke him up, and asked him to go and try to get my car started.

Marynette’s care and concern went way beyond professional duty. She was warm, conscientious and sharp as a tack despite the late hour. That Patrick was willing to get up from his bed, drive from Smith’s to Paget to jump-start the car of a complete stranger was an extraordinary act of generosity.

This Christmas, despite being in lockdown in the UK, I have much to be thankful for: a husband working hard on the NHS frontline, a wonderful family, an incredible circle of friends.

But these two individuals, Marynette and Patrick, in a year full of challenges, reminded me of the good in this world: living examples of Bermuda’s tradition of kindness and hospitality.

I thank you both from the bottom of my heart.

FRITHA WOLSAK

East Sussex, England